Watsonians

Here's a throwback from Simon Forrest (Class of 1974) after attending our Big Reunion Lunch, where he shared this great photo with us! 'A great day which has sparked a very lively new "74 Leavers WhatsApp group". Your event has brought together at least 30 of us old boys now online where we exchange our fading memories of school adventures. It’s been fantastic to reconnect. Makes you appreciate what a special place GWC is/was.'

🎁 Hey Watsonians! 🎁

Just a friendly reminder that our Watsonian Gift Shop is stocked and ready for you! Whether you're looking for a special keepsake or gift, or something to show off your Watsonian pride, we've got you covered. https://watsonian-giftshop.sumupstore.com/

It's been a while since we mentioned it, so if you haven't checked out our latest offerings, now's the time! 🎓✨

Shop now and find that perfect piece to remind you of the good old days. 💙

Wonderful to see Andrew Brown (Class of 1963) visiting Bill Adam (Class of 1937), maintaining the Watsonian connection across generations and keeping our community spirit alive!

We're thrilled to announce our Archivist, Tom, has won the New Professional of the Year award from the Archives and Records Association! Thanks to everyone that voted for him!

Check out the photos for a list of classes happening at Myreside and other local venues during the week starting Monday 2 September, as part of our Community Sport Hub program!

Final reminder for the Highland and Moray Annual Dinner on Friday 13th September 2024, 7pm, Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. It's informal, £48 pp and all Watsonians and their partners, whether living in the the area or travelling through, are very welcome. Sign up by 6th September. Contact [email protected] for further details.

Throwing it back to the class of 1984! 🎉 What a blast reconnecting at the reunion afterparty at the Black Ivy on Saturday 22 June. So many memories were shared! Here’s to lifelong friendships and the stories that keep us connected!

🎉📚 1 week to go! Last chance to get your tickets for the book launch event for Nocturne, the latest novel by Christopher Rush (Former Staff). There will also be a musical performance by special guest Alexander McNamee (Class of 2023).

In Nocturne, Rush delves deep into the life and soul of Chopin, exploring his profound journey of self-discovery through piano music. This poignant narrative also captures the unwavering devotion of a Scottish woman who stood by him through life and beyond.

📅 Event Details:
🗓 Date: Thursday 5 September 2024
⏰ Time: 7pm
📍 Location: Music School Auditorium

Join us for an evening of celebration, where you will have the opportunity to meet the author, enjoy readings from the book, and immerse yourself in the themes of love, music, and self-discovery that make Nocturne an unforgettable experience.

🎟 To book your complimentary ticket, please visit gwc.org.uk/watsonians/events.

Lovely to see some of our Class of 1959 ladies at our Come for Coffee morning yesterday! L to R: Sheena Johnston, Leslie Palmer, Pat Johnston, Rosemary Brown.

In the Development Office, we can attest that reunions of all shapes and sizes are pure magic! ✨ Former pupils visiting our Junior School might just spot some familiar faces on our Wonderwall 🎤 🧡

Back to school for our pupils today! So many memories tucked into those pockets - friendships, lessons, and a few secrets too... unless you want to tell us! 📚👔"

Support our new digital archive - a new project to digitise our Watsonian magazines and George Square Chronicles, making decades of memories and stories easily accessible and searchable! We need your support to make this vision a reality. Your donation will go directly towards digitisation and you can specify a specific issue that you would like to donate towards. See what’s already been digitised and donate here: https://www.gwc.org.uk/watsonians/support-us/support-our-digital-archive

Congratulations to Jack Ambrose (Class of 2010) on his role as Brodie in The Real Thing at the Old Vic, premiering tomorrow night! Having just graduated from RADA earlier this summer, we can't wait to see you shine. Break a leg, Jack!

🎉📚 Last chance to get your tickets for the book launch event for Nocturne, the latest novel by Christopher Rush (Former Staff), which is published today. There will also be a musical performance by special guest Alexander McNamee (Class of 2023).

In Nocturne, Rush delves deep into the life and soul of Chopin, exploring his profound journey of self-discovery through piano music. This poignant narrative also captures the unwavering devotion of a Scottish woman who stood by him through life and beyond.

📅 Event Details:
🗓 Date: Thursday 5 September 2024
⏰ Time: 7pm
📍 Location: Music School Auditorium

Join us for an evening of celebration, where you will have the opportunity to meet the author, enjoy readings from the book, and immerse yourself in the themes of love, music, and self-discovery that make Nocturne an unforgettable experience.

🎟 To book your complimentary ticket, please visit gwc.org.uk/watsonians/events.

🎉📚 There is still time to get your tickets for the book launch event for Nocturne, the latest novel by Christopher Rush (Former Staff), set to be published on Tuesday 20 August 2024.

In Nocturne, Rush delves deep into the life and soul of Chopin, exploring his profound journey of self-discovery through piano music. This poignant narrative also captures the unwavering devotion of a Scottish woman who stood by him through life and beyond.

📅 Event Details:
🗓 Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024
⏰ Time: 7 PM
📍 Location: Music School Auditorium

Join us for an evening of celebration, where you will have the opportunity to meet the author, enjoy readings from the book, and immerse yourself in the themes of love, music, and self-discovery that make Nocturne an unforgettable experience. There will also be a musical performance by special guest Alexander McNamee (Class of 2023).

🎟 To book your complimentary ticket, please visit gwc.org.uk/watsonians/events.

SILVER for Josh Kerr (Class of 2015) in the Men's 1500m - CONGRATULATIONS JOSH!!!

📚 Back in 2022 an honest Watsonian returned 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway to our Library - over 50 years late! Their overdue fine was generously donated to the George Watson's Family Foundation. A timeless story of integrity and ex corde caritas!

Join us for the Highland and Moray Annual Dinner on Friday 13h September 2024, 7pm, Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, £48 pp. Sign up by 1st September. Contact [email protected] for further details.

The Caritas Ball 2024 - an evening of sophistication and espionage! Enjoy a glamorous sparkling drinks reception, a delicious three-course dinner, heart-pounding auctions and even visit the Casino Royale. Channel your inner 007 and join us for an evening of glamour, thrills and philanthropy! In association with Aston Martin Grange Edinburgh, the Caritas Ball 2024 will be held at the EICC on Saturday 2 November 2024, 7pm. Book at www.gwc.org.uk/caritasball

Wishing Martha Kearney (Class of 1975) all the best as she steps down from presenting BBC Radio Four's Today Programme this morning. In a tribute on this morning's programme her BBC colleague Kirsty Wark described her as "a true star of Radio Four," and we couldn't agree more! Thank you, Martha, for your incredible work and dedication. Here's to the next exciting chapter! 🌟📻

You can listen again to Martha's final Today Programme on BBC Sounds.

🌟 Exciting Discovery Alert 🌟

While tidying up the School's attic, we stumbled upon a hidden treasure from the past – an interesting letter dated March 1991 📜✉️

This cheeky letter is a fascinating glimpse into the School's history, and now we're on a mission to uncover more about it. The author of this mystery letter remains unknown, and we're eager to find out who they are. Could it be a former student, teacher, or a member of our community? 🤔

If you have any clues please reach out to us and stay tuned for updates!

🎭 See Our former pupils at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! 🎭 Don’t miss this chance to witness their incredible talent!

Jack Docherty (Class of 1980): 2-15 Aug, venue 24
Susan Tomes (Class of 1972): 3 Aug, venue 91 and 11 Aug, venue: EFI
Jamie Leonard (Class of 2026): 3-16 Aug, venue 102
Brian Bannatyne-Scott (Class of 1973): 10 Aug, venue 111
Ben Shankland (Class of 2022): 12 Aug, venue 86
Mhairi Aitken (Class of 2000): 12 Aug, venue 319

[Photo credits: performers' own and Edinburgh Festival Fringe]

A reminder that our incredible Archives colleague, Tom, has been nominated for the New Professional of the Year Award 2024! 🏆 Please vote for Tom here:
https://www.archives.org.uk/new-professional-of-the-year-2022-nominees/tom-bennett by 10 July!

🎉 Throwback Thursday 🏊‍♂️ We've just uncovered the original 1932 pool tiles that haven't seen the light of day in over a decade. Talk about a splash from the past! 💦 Check out our behind the scenes photos as the pool liner is replaced and see if you remember swimming lessons here. 📸✨

Congratulations Professor Roderick Beaton (Class of 1969) who was appointed Knight Bachelor in the King's Birthday Honours for services to History and to UK/Greece relations. [Photo credit: British School of Athens]

Farewell Melvyn and Catherine! A big Watsonian thank you for your unwavering support over the last 10 years and wishing you both the very best for your next endeavours!

[Photo credit: HERO Creative]

Class of 2024 - Welcome to the Watsonian Club! We wish you the best of luck with your next endeavours and hope to see you in our Branches and Sections and at events in the future. Ex Corde Caritas.

It was our last Come for a Coffee with Melvyn and Catherine on Tuesday and what a special occasion it was!